Acts 1:26

And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

And {G2532} they gave forth {G1325} their {G846} lots {G2819}; and {G2532} the lot {G2819} fell {G4098} upon {G1909} Matthias {G3159}; and {G2532} he was numbered {G4785} with {G3326} the eleven {G1733} apostles {G652}.

Then they drew lots to decide between the two, and the lot fell to Mattityahu. So he was added to the eleven emissaries.

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

And they gave lots for them; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Commentary

Context of Acts 1:26

This verse concludes the narrative of the early apostles' first significant communal decision after Christ's ascension. Following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the remaining eleven apostles, led by Peter, recognized the prophetic necessity to replace him and restore the symbolic number of twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (see Acts 1:20). Peter laid out the qualifications for the new apostle: one who had accompanied them throughout Jesus' public ministry, from John's baptism to Christ's ascension (Acts 1:21-22). Two men, Joseph called Barsabas (Justus) and Matthias, were put forward. Before making the final choice, the gathered disciples prayed for divine guidance, asking God to reveal His chosen one (Acts 1:24-25).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Guidance and Providence: The act of casting lots was a recognized method in ancient Israel for discerning God's will, especially when direct revelation was not immediately available. It demonstrated their faith that God would direct the outcome (Proverbs 16:33). The selection of Matthias was thus seen as a divinely appointed choice.
  • Apostolic Succession and Authority: The prompt replacement of Judas underscored the importance of maintaining the apostolic office as established by Christ. The apostles were foundational to the early church, serving as eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and as authoritative interpreters of His teachings.
  • Community Decision-Making: This event highlights the early church's practice of communal prayer and decision-making, even before the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. They acted together, seeking God's will for the collective body.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gave forth their lots" refers to a common ancient practice of drawing or casting objects (such as stones or marked pieces of wood) to make a decision, where the outcome was believed to be controlled by divine intervention. This method was distinct from random chance, as it was accompanied by earnest prayer for God's direction. It is important to note that after the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost, the New Testament church typically sought guidance through the Spirit's direct leading, prophetic revelation, and the wisdom of the elders, rather than through casting lots.

Practical Application

While casting lots is not a practice typically followed by the church today, Acts 1:26 offers valuable lessons for believers. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in significant decisions, both individually and corporately. Just as the apostles earnestly prayed before making their choice, we are encouraged to seek God's wisdom through prayer, the study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance (James 1:5). The early church's commitment to restoring the apostolic number also speaks to the importance of maintaining spiritual order and leadership within the church, grounded in biblical principles and divine appointment.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 16:8 (6 votes)

    And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

  • Joshua 18:10 (4 votes)

    And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the LORD: and there Joshua divided the land unto the children of Israel according to their divisions.

  • 1 Samuel 14:41 (3 votes)

    Therefore Saul said unto the LORD God of Israel, Give a perfect [lot]. And Saul and Jonathan were taken: but the people escaped.

  • 1 Samuel 14:42 (3 votes)

    And Saul said, Cast [lots] between me and Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken.

  • Jonah 1:7 (3 votes)

    And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil [is] upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:5 (2 votes)

    Thus were they divided by lot, one sort with another; for the governors of the sanctuary, and governors [of the house] of God, were of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Ithamar.

  • Proverbs 16:22 (0 votes)

    ¶ Understanding [is] a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools [is] folly.